HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-0303 Tree MIN
CITY OF
ASHLAND
Ashland Tree Commission
Regular Meeting
March 3, 2005
Minutes
I. Call to Order: Chair January Jennings called the Ashland Tree Commission meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
on March 3, 2005 in the Siskiyou Room in the Community Development/Engineering Services Building at
51 Winburn Way.
Commissioners Present: January Jennings
Bryan Holley
Mary Pritchard
Tracey Cohen
Ted Loftus
Laurie Sager (absent)
- Fred Stockwell (absent)
Council Liaison:
Cate Hartzell
Staff Present:
Amy Anderson, Assistant Planner
John McLaughlin, Planning Director
Carolyn Schwendener, Clerk
Donn T odt, Parks Department ( absent)
II. Approval of Minutes: The following corrections were noted for the March 3, 2005
minutes. Bryan Nelson was not present at the February 3, 2005 meeting. Page 3 and 4 of 7 change loose to
lose. Page 5, last paragraph, change a to are. Page 6 of 7, third paragraph, change spelling of Zelcovia to
Zelkova. Jennings I Holley mls to approve the minutes of February 3, 2005 with correcti.ons. Voice vote:
All AYES, Motion passed. The minutes of February 3, 2005 were approved as corrected.
III. Welcome Guests & Public Forum:
There were no guests in attendance for tonight's meeting.
Before beginning the public hearings Amy announced that she would now be limiting hf:r staff reports to
solely the landscaping and tree issues. Commissioner Pritchard requested that she still inform the
commission of any other issues that the staff might have with other problems in the plan. Amy agreed to
do so.
IV Public HearinJ:ls:
A. PLANNING ACTION 2005-008 is a request Annexation, Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map change
from Jackson County zoning RR-5 (Rural Residential) to City of Ashland zoning E-1 (Employment) for an
approximately 1.6-acre parcel located at 593 Crowson Road. The portion of the parcel adjacent to
Crowson Road is proposed in the Residential Overlay (R-Overlay) which allows a residential component
and in the Detail Site Review Zone which requires additional building design features. The application
includes a request for Site Review approval for a business complex including offices, light industrial space
and three residential units. A Tree Removal Permit is requested to remove six trees on the site.
Comprehensive Plan Designation: Employment (proposed), Rural Residential (current); Zoning: E-1
(proposed), RR-5 (current); Assessor's Map #: 39 1 E 14 D; Tax Lot: 500.
APPLICANT: Crowson Business Center, LLC
Staff report. Calculations for the percentage of the parking area have been submitted. Approximately ten percent of
the parking area is landscaped which exceeds the required minimum of seven percent. In addition, trees have been
added to the landscaped islands in the parking area. Finally, the redesign of the Crowson road results in a wider
landscaped area between the sidewalk and Building A. The Tree Commission raised concems regarding the
removal of the large stature Siberian Elm located near the northwest corner of the existing home. Additionally, the
Tree Commission requested information on a 12-inch diameter at breast height tree located near the front of the
existing house as it was not located on the Tree Removal Plan. A report from the arborist is included in the new
submittals. The arborist recommendation is to remove both trees. The Siberian Elm is identified as a hazard tree
because the species is prone to breakage and this particular tree is most likely weak because there are three trunks
originating from the same point near the ground. There are seven conditions pertaining to trees.
Applicant Testimony: Tom Giordano brought in additional photos of the trees in question for the commission to
review. Because of other reasons involved in the project they will be adjusting the site plan. They will be
reconfiguring the intersection which will give them a much greater landscaping area.
Public Testimony: None present
Recommendation:
1) Tree Commission recommends planting of Thundercloud Plum instead of Blireana Plum.
Read the recommendation back to commission. All in agreement with recommendation.
B. PLANNING ACTION 200 5-00039 is a request for a Conditional Use Permit to construct a new
residential unit, 1,172 square feet in size, at the rear of the parcel located at 150 N. Pioneer St. with a
proposed total floor area in excess of the Maximum Permitted Floor Area (MPFA) allowed by ordinance.
The Maximum Permitted Floor Area for the parcel is 2,643 square feet. The proposed new unit combined
with the existing residence results in a total of 3,302 square feet, which is 25% greater tllan allowed by
ordinance. Site Review approval is requested for the construction of the second unit. A Variance to the
required driveway width is requested for the existing mutual driveway serving the subject parcel and 162
N. Pioneer Street. A modification of the Conditional Use Permit for the existing office use is required for a
change in the site. Comprehensive Plan Designation: Low Density Multi-Family Residential; Zoning: R-
2; Assessor's Map #: 39 1 E 09 SA; Tax Lot: 11800.
APPLICANT: Stan Potocki and Bruce McLean
Staff report. There are five existing mature trees on the site, as well as two street trees. Not tree removal is
proposed as part of this application. There are three conditions pertaining to trees.
Applicant Testimony: Bruce McLean was present to answer questions regarding the landscaping proposal for this
project. Commissioner Jennings recommended that Bruce consider trees that would take more partial shade. She
also suggested that they might want to plant more heavily for more lot coverage. Commissioner Holley
recommended that Mr. McLean take a look at the big tree and see what needs to be done with it. It needs some
attention, though this is only a suggestion, not a requirement.
Public Testimony: None present
Recommendation:
1) Tree Commission. recommends the usage of a more shade tolerant tree along the southern lot line because
of the shading produced by the Raywood Ash in the City of Ashland parking lot to the south.
2) Ensure 50% coverage within I-year and 90% coverage after 5-years.
Read the recommendation back to commission. All in agreement with recommendation.
C. PLANNING ACTION 2005-00046 is a request for Outline Plan, Final Plan and Site Review approval
for a nine-unit, nine-lot residential subdivision for the property located at 2001 SiskiYIDU Blvd. The
application includes a request for two Variances to the off-street parking requirement. One Variance
request is to allow for two less parking spaces on site than is required by ordinance. The other Variance
is to not provide a disabled person parking space in the parking area. A Tree Removal Permit is
requested to remove five trees on the site. Comprehensive Plan Designation: High Density Multi-Family
Residential; Zoning: R-3; Assessor's Map #: 39 1 E 15 AD; Tax Lot: 300.
APPLICANT: Rogue Valley Community Development Corporation (RVCDC)
Staff report. Ten trees of various size and species have been identified on the tree inventory. Five of the seven trees
proposed for removal are six inches dbh or greater, ranging from 6-12 inches dbh. The application does not address
the health of the trees, but states the removal is necessary to permit the development of the site to be consistent with
other land use ordinance requirements. The remaining three trees are situated around the perimeter of the site and
parking area. The three trees to be preserved are the larger, significant trees on the property, with a 20-inch dbh
pine, and a 16-inch dbh fir near the north property line, and a 30-inch oak near the front property line in the Siskiyou
Boulevard right-of-way. Tree protection measures will be installed in order to minimize potential impacts to the
root zone caused by construction. Given the high-density zoning and the central location of the trees, it does appear
difficult to develop the site at the target use and meet the site design requirements. Additionally, the proposed units
have relatively small building footprints are modest in size, ranging from 848 to 1045 square feet. The applicant has
focused on saving the two large stature trees near the north boundary and the significant oak adjacent to the parcel in
the Siskiyou Boulevard right-of-way. Staff believes the tree removal request is justified.
Applicant Testimony: None present
Public Testimony: None present
The tree commission discussed the proposal. Commissioner Holley inquired about work that appears to be going on
at this site though the planning action has not been approved nor have building permits been issued. John
McLaughlin assured the commission that if any construction is taking place at this site it is without the knowledge or
approval of the city.
Concerns were shared regarding the parking spaces within the drip line of the conifers. Having the catch basin in
space one of the parking lot will affect the fir tree. It was noted that the large oak that is being left will not provide a
canopy protection for the parking lot. The vegetation that is going to be planted around the oak needs to moved to at
least an 8 foot radius from the base of the tree. The irrigation around the oak also needs to be very light to avoid
over watering. The commissioners were concerned about the paving around the trees. It was questioned if the
parking could be reconfigured in order to save the trees near the parking area. Perhaps they could consider
alternative pervious parking. There was a great deal of concern regarding the damage that the excavation might
create. It was suggested that the electrical vault and catch basin be relocated further away.
Recommendation:
I) Tree Commission has concern about the paving for the parking lot and its impacts to the large conifer
on the northwest lot line.
2) Consider usage of pervious pavement material in the parking lot near the large conifer on the northwest
lot line to ensure the health of the tree.
3) Tree Commission concerned about the large amount of excavation required to install the sidewalks, the
electrical vault and catch basins in the vicinity of the large conifer in the northwf:st corner of the
property. Tree Commission recommends moving the electric vault further from the root zone.
4) Tree Commission recommends floating of the sidewalk over the root zone of the large conifer on the
northwest lot line.
5) The landscape vegetation shall be moved away from the trunk of the large street trees to a 3-foot
diameter of clearance. The vegetation and irrigation at the base of the large oak shall be moved away
from the trunk of the tree to a minimum 8-foot diameter of clearance.
Read the recommendation back to commission.
All in agreement with recommendation.
V. ACTION ITEMS
A. Review of 150 Church Street
Amy submitted a new site plan that the applicant, Rob Saladoff had given her
showing the relocation of the basement door and steps. Amy noted that Tom
Meyers, project arborist, recognized he had made a typing error in his report
regarding the distance of the test holes from the subject tree "not 30' but 12"'.
Rob Saladoff showed pictures of the trench that was dug to show the roots of the
tree in question. The trench showed that there were very few roots and they
appeared to be 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Not a lot of feeder roots were showing.
Commissioner Jennings commented that though some of the roots will be
disturbed during the construction those roots should grow back without disturbing
the trees. Commissioner Jennings asked that Tom Myers be on site during the
excavation.
The Tree Commission has fulfilled the City Council Condition regarding the Oak
tree on the neighboring property.
Tree Commission has reviewed the letter submitted by the applicant and by Tom
Meyers the project arborist and has determined that the applicant has done their
due diligence to ensure the health and survivability of the large oak trel~.
B. Volunteer Appreciation Day
Commissioner Holley highly recommended that the commission particllpate in the
open house and fair. It was recommended for late May, preferably in the late
afternoon 4pm-7pm. It was also suggested that the event be held at tile Ashland
Armory.
C. Type I Landscaping Review
Commissioner Pritchard requested that the review board reconsider the 12:30
meeting time. It's an inconvenient time for her making it difficult for her to
participate.
April 5th: Ted Loftus, Bryan Holley, Tracey Cohen
May 3rd: Ted Loftus, Lori Sager, Mary Pritchard
June 7th: TBA
VI. DISSCUSSION ITEMS
A. Building Permits and Tree Protection
John McLaughlin discussed the ordinances and their inconsistencies. He asked
the commission what direction they would like to take in resolvin~1 it. What
triggers the tree protection? Commissioner Pritchard suggested thc:lt a written
notice with educational information with a diagram be given out to applicants
when they submit for building permits. This would be implemented on Thursday
mornings with "over the counter permits." John McLaughlin felt it would be well
received by the public. Commissioner Holley recommended that the staff bring it
directly to the applicant's attention upon issuance of the permit. Amy stated that
she and Derek could pass it out during their planning reviews on Thursday
mornings.
B. Planning Actions and Redesign for Trees
Bryan Holley and Planning Manager Bill Molnar had email discussion regarding
how trees and redesign of projects were discussed with applicants. This
discussion stemmed from a question raised by Holley at the February meeting
and whether the planner facilitating the pre-application conference had
mentioned the Tree Ordinance. The applicant's response was that the planner
had not. Molnar states that at the pre-app meeting trees and tree preservation
and protection were mentioned. 380 Clay Street was discussed by the
commission. Commissioners Jennings and Pritchard had evaluated the trees.
Commissioner Jennings was concerned about the decay of the big tree and its
safety. It was recommended again that an independent arborist inspect the tree
and give a report. Commission Pritchard re-suggested that an aerial inspection
be done.
C. Changes to the Agenda
Commissioner Jennings is concerned that a great deal of the commission's time
is spent on Planning Actions. Commissioner Jennings arrived at the meeting this
evening a little early and introduced herself to the visitors. This helped inform
anyone of changes and helped start the meeting on time. It was noted that
Amy's staff report changes helped a great deal also. Not going over the details
of the entire project sped things up. It was discussed that moving the planning
actions to the end of the meeting would allow more time for the other agenda
items. However, it was decided by the commissioners that not every tiling on the
agenda was appropriate for the audience and the agenda should stay the same
at this time.
D. Arbor Day
Mayor Morrison has agreed to participate in the planting of the tree. The
suggested time is 9:30 a.m. Bob Plane from the Daily Tidings will writ~~ an article
and put a picture in the newspaper that day. Amy is checking on the banner that
is to go over Main Street. Amy is also checking on the status of the re-
certification for Tree City USA. Donn Todt has ordered the Tree of the Year
plaque. The cost is $150.00. It should be ready by the next meeting in April.
The statewide, Oregon Department of Forestry sponsored Tree Walk will be April
3rd at 2:00, meeting at the Lower Duck Pond in Lithia Park.
VII. ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS
A. Liaison Reports - Cate Hartzell stated that Urban Forester will be put on the Clgenda in a
couple of months. It was suggested that the commission look at what other cities are
doing. Some of the questions were: How did they hire an urban forester? \II/ould there
be anyone who would volunteer for the position? How is it working in Medford? Could
Ashland join Talent and Phoenix? It was suggested that an urban forester from Medford
attend a meeting.
B. Old Business - Heritage Tree
The Heritage Tree amendment to the ordinance was approved by the City Council. This
now gives the Tree Commission the ability to begin a Heritage Tree list. Bring back to
agenda in May to discuss.
C. New Items
Tracey Cohen the newly appointed Tree Commissioner was welcomed to the ~Iroup.
Commission Jennings will be attending a workshop in Portland. It was agreed
upon by the commissioners to sponsor her. Commissioner Jennings will drive and pay
for her own hotel and the commission will pay for the admission fee.
Fred Stockwell's term will be expiring in April.
D. Current Balance $510
E. Tree Commission Goals
Education
Tree Tips
Daily Tidings Back Page
No reports from the education subcommittee
Tree Clinics - Commissioner Pritchard will be teaching a tree pruning clinic
during Arbor Day. She inquired if anyone knew of a nursery that would be
interested in donating small trees or shrubs for the class. They would be
returned. Commissioner Loftus had a couple of nurseries in mind and would let
her know.
Monitoring
Tracking reports to the City Council
No new monitoring and enforcement issues to note. Bryan Holley will
email Amy a copy of some correspondence that he and Adam Hanks
had regarding trees.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Jennings adjourned meeting at 9:20 pm